I took my 8 week old puppy to my training group for socialization, rag work and fun puppy stuff. Now is definitely a good time to start. You probably won't do any bitework until the obedience foundation is solid, and will start on a tug or something. Go get involved!

I also have a puppy who will be 6 months next week. I plan to start his tracking next week, obedience this summer (well he knows basic stuff, but I mean more IPO-specific), and then start taking him to club training in the fall or next spring. I am not rushing him but also can start the tracking on my own.

I start bringing mine as soon as I get them and work on our foundation stuff like rear end awareness and lured heeling. I also start tracking as soon as I can, and introduce a little rag/prey work just to get them totally comfortable engaging with another person from day 1. Its a great opportunity for socialization too.

I agree with Alexis...and if you are new to the sport, it is more for you as a handler than for your young puppy. You'll learn so much by watching other handlers(observing the helperwork as well, and asking questions if you don't understand what is going on) and chatting with them. Hope you can find a great supportive group to train with! It is addictive.

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I start bringing mine as soon as I get them and work on our foundation stuff like rear end awareness and lured heeling. I also start tracking as soon as I can, and introduce a little rag/prey work just to get them totally comfortable engaging with another person from day 1. Its a great opportunity for socialization too.

Quote:

Originally Posted by onyx'girl

I agree with Alexis...and if you are new to the sport, it is more for you as a handler than for your young puppy. You'll learn so much by watching other handlers(observing the helperwork as well, and asking questions if you don't understand what is going on) and chatting with them. Hope you can find a great supportive group to train with! It is addictive.

I'm with these two. Actually we are picking up a puppy Saturday morning and going straight from the airport to the training field haha. Talk about an early start

Thanks guys! What's the correct etiquette, when approaching a club about potentially joining?

I did some research and emailed one of the local clubs that seems like it would be a good fit, but it's been a while and I haven't heard anything back. They have the training schedule posted online. Do we just show up? (I don't want to come off as rude.)

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